2v V1200 Sport - Thoughts

[t3caligraham]

Hi Folks - long time away from the forum as my old T3 was sold some while back and I've been playing on the dark side for a few years - mainly Hinckley Triumphs.

Took a walk around to the local Guzzi emporium just near my work one day last week and they have a mint 2008 V1200 Sport 2 valver for sale with hardly any miles on it.  The story is that the last owner bought it new from them and just used it as a sunny Sunday play thing.  I'm not too familiar with the modern CARC Guzzi's so wondered if anyone would be willing to advise.

One concern would be the famous cam follower problems a lot of owners have experienced, is this an 8V engine phenomena only or am I plumb in the danger zone with this engine?  The bikes been largely unused, so any other hints and tips would be welcome.  I'm hoping for a test ride later this week, having really only ridden an early '80's V50 and my trusty '77 T3 Cali - I am expecting similar but faster  .

Any thoughts welcome

Cheers Graham

[beetle]

Good bike. No danger from the tappets, it's an 8V only thing.

[Bisbonian]

My 1200 Sport has been a great bike.

Many people don't like the stock handlebars as they stretch you out pretty far forward, there are many options out there, I went with bars from the Aprilia Mana.

Some people also find the foot pegs to be a touch high, lowering options are also out there.

Otherwise, the only issue I've had is with a fragile dash, there are a few threads on here regarding water intrusion and fix options.

I've had mine since new and don't plan on parting with it. It's a great mile eater and since it doesn't have a windshield I don't get hung up in trying to find the perfect option for that.

No problems with e 2v engine in the 1200 Sport as Beetle said, other than the dash mine has been flawless.

[PJPR01]

I had one for about a month in my garage, had bought it for some friends.  I wish I could have kept it...it was a blast to ride...smooth as silk, just absolutely great fun!  It is as has been stated a bit more stretched out than a Norge, but I still found it very comfortable.  You can also mount the same side bags as a Norge if you want to use it for touring.  Great motor tunes differently than the Norge, smooth as silk, white gauges, runs like a bat out of hell!

[willowstreetguzziguy]

Great engine. 43 mpg most of the time. Love the sound and torque. After lowering the footpegs 1.5" and adding 1" of foam under the seat, the bike is perfect for me. I even love the stock handlebars. VERY comfortable bike for any kind of riding I do and it handles a passenger well. My choice of Guzzis. I think only about 100 made it into the U.S.

[bad Chad]

I concur with willow.    I have a B 1100 With the 1200  fairing and seat cowel.   Very very similar to 1200s.  I had my seat reworked to raise it one and a half and put lower foot pegs on for another inch it has made a big difference  on my knees for sure.  I find it a wonderful all around  compliment motorcycle.

[ohiorider]

I concur with all the above!  One of the best bikes I've owned in over 500k miles (including the 62k on my 1200S.)  Biz and I have both had dashboard issues, but somehow, love for this heavyweight sport-tourer wins out every time.  This one is equipped with:
- Factory exhaust that sound pretty good!  Never felt the need to go aftermarket (I'm cheap)
- Mana bars
- lowered and slightly forward footpegs
- OEM center stand
- HB pannier mounts and 30 liter bags (with Guzzi logos)  Also have spare set of 40 liter, but damn, they're Widddeee!
- HB bag liners ... so nice when unloading at a motel ... hard bags stay locked to the bike.
- HB rear rack ..... I mount it when I'm traveling.
- pic shows Corbin saddle.  Kind of wide and tall for a short guy, but on the road it's sweet.  Stock with cowl looks much better!

Couldn't find the pix with the Bagster tank bag setup which is also a nice piece.



Whooa!  Found the pix with Bagster tank setup and small Cortech bag that occupies passenger saddle.

[Tom]

I test rode one at Thousand Oaks open house after the Malibu National and Chris from WI let me ride his to the last IA National.  You won't be disappointed.   Great torque and smooth while accelerating.  Handles well for a large bike.

[t3caligraham]

Thanks all for responses.  Sounds like I'd really regret letting this one go.  I'll drop by there at lunch today and see if I can arrange a test ride 

Will keep you posted

[Doppelgaenger]

Where do you live? If it's an area with high humidity you're going to want to get the dashboard's circuitboard fixed with a conformal coating over the winter when riding weather is bad because they're a definite weak point, and the coating will eliminate that problem. I may have found a great US-based guy who will do it, but it remains to be seen how well he fixes mine.

I'm not sure how bad the pinging is on the 1200 but some breva 1100s (mine included) have pinging issues under hard throttle at under 4500 rpm. I'm actually running the advance map from the 1200 in my bike right now which has helped but not eliminated the problem.

[t3caligraham]

Hi all - thanks for feedback so far.  I went for a test ride last weekend and bought the bike.  Pick up tomorrow so very excited at having a new (to me) Guzzi to play with.

I am going to see what I can do with raising the bars - perhaps try the Moto International spacer approach, but not rushing to buy anything yet.  I note a few folks mentioning footrest lowering - I will research that, but if you did it - what is the best way to achieve it?

A bit irritated by the popping / banging on the over-run / decal.  See that mentioned a lot here and on other forums.  Looks like there are ways to cure or at least reduce this.

Finally - Dopple has me worried about the dash going bad due to moisture.  Will again research - but any tips welcome

Tomorrow morning and I'll be on the road - taking the long way back home 

[Bisbonian]

Hi all - thanks for feedback so far.  I went for a test ride last weekend and bought the bike.  Pick up tomorrow so very excited at having a new (to me) Guzzi to play with.

I am going to see what I can do with raising the bars - perhaps try the Moto International spacer approach, but not rushing to buy anything yet.  I note a few folks mentioning footrest lowering - I will research that, but if you did it - what is the best way to achieve it?

A bit irritated by the popping / banging on the over-run / decal.  See that mentioned a lot here and on other forums.  Looks like there are ways to cure or at least reduce this.

Finally - Dopple has me worried about the dash going bad due to moisture.  Will again research - but any tips welcome

Tomorrow morning and I'll be on the road - taking the long way back home 

Congrats on the new ride.

As far as the footpegs, there are a few options out there. I went with a lowered peg made by Knight Designs which fits well for me, but then I have the European side stand on my 1200S which is much shorter than the US version. I know there are many who have lowered their pegs without resorting to the Euro stand, I'm sure they will respond.

Does your 1200S have an aftermarket muffler on it? With stock you shouldn't really hear any popping on decel. At least I don't remember it being onerous. With an aftermarket muffler it can get bothersome. There are reflash options but for me the popping always crept back even with making sure there were no leaks in the system. I ended up putting a valve in the vacuum line for the stepper motor, I turn it on for a truly cold start and then turn it off a minute or so later. Popping is almost eliminated.

The dash may be a concern, I too believe all will eventually suffer from some sort of failure. It may be a good idea to get it dealt with early, before failure, as I've read replacement LCDs are a problem.

[willowstreetguzziguy]

After some problems toying with a Euro sidestand, I ditched it in favor of taking off the sidestand and following the straight line down the "outside" edge of the stand, I cut straight down and took off the protruding stand. I mounted it back on my bike, designed a 2"x2" piece of metal as the bottom of the stand, had it welded, and painted it black. Same lean angle, 2"x2" footprint and it misses the left lowered peg and shifter. Works and looks great!

[Doppelgaenger]

Finally - Dopple has me worried about the dash going bad due to moisture.  Will again research - but any tips welcome

If you notice any condensation on the inside of your dash, ever... I'd suggest having a conformal coating applied to the circuit board proactively. It will cure the problem and it's cheap to do even if you have someone else to do it. All they have to do is open the cluster, spray it on and close it back up after it's dried.

Below is the link to my current ordeal with the cluster. The guy was able to fix it but there was serious damage as you can see in the pictures. He said one resistor had literally rotted off the board and he had to replace it. And Moto shows another cluster with exactly the same failure. Right now the bike is running but the service light is on permanently until we can get it sorted out.


http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=85580.0

[tpeever]

Congrats on your choice of an awesome motorcycle!! You will love it.

Does your 1200S have an aftermarket muffler on it? With stock you shouldn't really hear any popping on decel. At least I don't remember it being onerous. With an aftermarket muffler it can get bothersome. There are reflash options but for me the popping always crept back even with making sure there were no leaks in the system. I ended up putting a valve in the vacuum line for the stepper motor, I turn it on for a truly cold start and then turn it off a minute or so later. Popping is almost eliminated.

My bike popped like crazy on decel with stock muffler, even after removing the evap canister. I was only able to cure it after reading in molly and beetle's fuel maps to the ECU. Runs like a champ now! Highly recommended upgrade. Bike runs 100% better in all respects. No popping on decel, no 3500 rpm flat spot, no surging at low speeds and no more funky idle speeds. You can search some earlier threads for how I solved the handlebar issue. Used a combination of LSL Superbike bars and ROX risers. Also happy to send you some additional photos and sources etc. offline if you like. For me the stock seat was incredibly awful but I am 215 lbs and I use this bike primarily for touring so I needed a comfortable seat for 400 miles rides. After two attempts to make it better, I gave up and now run a Corbin seat which is excellent. I use Norge hardbags on it for touring and it works well. I have not made any mods to the pegs yet but am considering it.

[ITSec]

Hi Folks - long time away from the forum as my old T3 was sold some while back and I've been playing on the dark side for a few years - mainly Hinckley Triumphs.

Took a walk around to the local Guzzi emporium just near my work one day last week and they have a mint 2008 V1200 Sport 2 valver for sale with hardly any miles on it.  The story is that the last owner bought it new from them and just used it as a sunny Sunday play thing.  I'm not too familiar with the modern CARC Guzzi's so wondered if anyone would be willing to advise.

One concern would be the famous cam follower problems a lot of owners have experienced, is this an 8V engine phenomena only or am I plumb in the danger zone with this engine?  The bikes been largely unused, so any other hints and tips would be welcome.  I'm hoping for a test ride later this week, having really only ridden an early '80's V50 and my trusty '77 T3 Cali - I am expecting similar but faster  .

Any thoughts welcome

Cheers Graham

I have its brother, a 2008 Norge - I'd buy it again in a blink (heartbeats take too long). No valve train issues with the 2v, just do the starter wiring fix and change the fluids and rubber. Cheap fun that lasts forever, 116,000 miles and counting...

[ohiorider]

I have its brother, a 2008 Norge - I'd buy it again in a blink (heartbeats take too long). No valve train issues with the 2v, just do the starter wiring fix and change the fluids and rubber. Cheap fun that lasts forever, 116,000 miles and counting...

A well-engineered bike, for sure!  At the moment, I think all I need to  do to mine is replace the oil pressure sensor to get the SERVICE triangle to go away.  It comes on after the dash goes thru its boot up, but before I start the engine.  I think the switch begins to stick after several thou miles and 6 years.  Mechanically ..... a wonderful machine!

[ITSec]

A well-engineered bike, for sure!  At the moment, I think all I need to  do to mine is replace the oil pressure sensor to get the SERVICE triangle to go away.  It comes on after the dash goes thru its boot up, but before I start the engine.  I think the switch begins to stick after several thou miles and 6 years.  Mechanically ..... a wonderful machine!

Replace the sensor, and if you're a Wildguzzi contributor I'll send you my wiring replacement kit for free. The sensors are a known problem, but the connector to them is an additional issue and the new sensors may come with a connector type not supported by the older wiring. My kit works with both old and new sensor designs and helps provide a permanent fix.

[swooshdave]

Hi all - thanks for feedback so far.  I went for a test ride last weekend and bought the bike.  Pick up tomorrow so very excited at having a new (to me) Guzzi to play with.

I am going to see what I can do with raising the bars - perhaps try the Moto International spacer approach, but not rushing to buy anything yet.  I note a few folks mentioning footrest lowering - I will research that, but if you did it - what is the best way to achieve it?

A bit irritated by the popping / banging on the over-run / decal.  See that mentioned a lot here and on other forums.  Looks like there are ways to cure or at least reduce this.

Finally - Dopple has me worried about the dash going bad due to moisture.  Will again research - but any tips welcome

Tomorrow morning and I'll be on the road - taking the long way back home 

You'd best be posting pictures as soon as possible. 

[Piglet]

My V1100 Breva came with a Power Commander 5 and "Autotune" kit, but being that I'm in Canada, a re-map would have been too costly due to the crummy exchange rate.  So I sent my ECU to a Ducati dealer, and he re-mapped it with the "Rexxer" system.  Not as severe back-popping on the overrun, and no more pinging etc.  Turns out the Power Commander was for an 1100 Griso....

[molly]

Great bike that sacrifices a bit of power to the newer 8 valve motor but without any of the engine problems.
Popping on decal is an issue especially with a louder exhaust fitted. My map will solve most of this and can be obtained via email (pm me with email details). You will require Guzzidiag and the correct cables (search forum for details) but the bike will run better for it.

[ohiorider]

Replace the sensor, and if you're a Wildguzzi contributor I'll send you my wiring replacement kit for free. The sensors are a known problem, but the connector to them is an additional issue and the new sensors may come with a connector type not supported by the older wiring. My kit works with both old and new sensor designs and helps provide a permanent fix.

ITSec, check your PM.


Thanks for the offer.

Bob

[ohiorider]

ITSec



Here's a pic of the pieces I received from the supplier.
- sensor with spade connector
- adaptor that attaches to the engine on one side, to the sensor on the other
- two copper crush washers (both are the same size, so I'll have to find the correct one that goes between adaptor and engine.  The one I was sent is too small.

Does this look like it'll work?

So, I'm guessing I need the spade wiring adaptor.

Regards,

Bob

[tpeever]

Great bike that sacrifices a bit of power to the newer 8 valve motor but without any of the engine problems.
Popping on decal is an issue especially with a louder exhaust fitted. My map will solve most of this and can be obtained via email (pm me with email details). You will require Guzzidiag and the correct cables (search forum for details) but the bike will run better for it.

 :1: I have been running molly's map for a few thousand miles now and give it two big thumbs up!! I also have beetle's map and it appears very good as well but have not tested it as extensively.

[twodogs]

Ohiorider that is the new kit that they sent me in place of the original, it would not fit under the alt.Ask Jim at rose farm guzzi,he will verify it. I'm still looking for a spare for my sport.  Bruce

[ohiorider]

Ohiorider that is the new kit that they sent me in place of the original, it would not fit under the alt.Ask Jim at rose farm guzzi,he will verify it. I'm still looking for a spare for my sport.  Bruce

Thanks, twodogs.  I thought there might be a problem with this particular aftermarket setup.

Bob

[ITSec]

Thanks, twodogs.  I thought there might be a problem with this particular aftermarket setup.

Bob

As twodogs noted, some bikes (depending on the alternator fitted) have a clearance problem with the two-part kit sometimes supplied. There is a third-party sensor available from auto supply stores that has the original thread and a spade top connection - that's likely what you want. A search on the board will likely turn up the thread with that part number.

I'll send the wiring kit out in the morning.

[ohiorider]

As twodogs noted, some bikes (depending on the alternator fitted) have a clearance problem with the two-part kit sometimes supplied. There is a third-party sensor available from auto supply stores that has the original thread and a spade top connection - that's likely what you want. A search on the board will likely turn up the thread with that part number.

I'll send the wiring kit out in the morning.

Thanks, ITSec!  Appreciate you supplying me with the spade adaptor. I haven't taken the 12S out for quite a while, because the SERVICE message blocks out some needed dash info, not to mention having no idiot light in case something really does go wrong.

I'll search the board for the correct replacement part number.

Regards,

Bob

[ohiorider]

Thanks for the info re AF1.  I talked with Steve at AF1, who indicated they had the NAPA sensor with 12 x 1.5 threads in stock.  And yes, it comes with a spade head, not a nail head connector.  NAPA P/N (as well as AF1 P/N) is OP6065.

Bob

[twodogs]

Great information,  I will go get a spare